Milford's Legislative Luncheon shines spotlight on seniors

MILFORD ó Every day, 8,000 Americans turn 65, a trend that will continue over the next 17 years, according to state Sen. Richard Moore.

The staggering growth in the countryís senior population will thrust issues such as Medicaid reimbursement, adult day care and "observation" status into the forefront, Moore, D-Uxbridge, said.

He joined U.S. Rep. Joseph Kennedy III and state Rep. John Fernandes, D-Milford,†at the Blaire House Monday for its annual Legislative Luncheon. Outside on the sun-splashed patio, the lawmakers discussed a wide range of senior concerns.

Moore applauded what he called Blaire Houseís "continuum of care," referring to the bevy of services offered at the skilled nursing and rehabilitation center.

As the senior population increases, so too must the availability of senior services like the adult day care program, said Moore.

"Itís going to be critical," he said.

Moore said he has also heard a lot about the confusion over Medicareís observation status and the problems that have resulted.

Hospitals and rehab facilities often provide observation care to patients too sick to go home. But Medicare considers the status an outpatient service and not an admission, meaning it doesnít cover the cost.

Moore referenced one family which had to re-mortgage their home to pay for care.

"We need to really get an understanding of whether observation really needs to be observation or whether it should be admission," Moore said. "I know the hospitals are a little leery about admission because they donít want to see the same person back 30 days later ó that would be a bit of a financial burden, too."

Debate on the issue has already begun in Washington, Moore said, adding that Kennedy has played a central role in bringing it to light within the Massachusetts delegation.

For his part, Kennedy said he relies on the leadership at the state and community level to help him "make sure that nobody is falling through the cracks."

He thanked Frank Romano, president of Essex Group Management, which operates the Blaire House, for being one of those leaders.

"Our seniors are able to come to a place that becomes a home, where their family knows that they are welcomed as a member of the community, where you work so hard with the staff, doctors and community members to make sure everybody feels at home," he said. "Itís an extraordinary trait that you and your family have and one that not everyone possesses."

On the local front, Fernandes said he has worked with his colleagues in the State House to slightly increase the Medicaid reimbursement rate. And he hopes Moore and the Senate will follow suit.

He said he feels an obligation to find solutions for the issues that bedevil "the population that has raised us and offered us the opportunity and support to get where we are."

Page 2 of 2 - Matt Tota can be reached at 508-634-7521 or mtota@wickedlocal.com.